Display and controls for a cpap device

ABSTRACT

A user interface for respiratory apparatus comprises a combination of a menu display ( 302 ), push buttons ( 304, 308, 310 ) and a rotary control dial ( 306 ). The user interface may include a menu control for detecting at least one parameter from the user&#39;s operation of the controls to navigate the menu and applying this to subsequent operation of the user interface controls. The user parameter may be a direction of operation of the rotary control dial which the user associates with a particular direction of navigation within the menu.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional ApplicationNo. 2008904835 filed 17 Sep. 2008, Australian Provisional ApplicationNo. 2008905107 filed 1 Oct. 2008, and Australian Provisional ApplicationNo. 2009902445 filed 28 May 2009. Each of the above identifiedapplications is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates primarily to a respiratory device with animproved user interface, and to user interfaces for the control ofrespiratory treatment devices and for other user-controlled devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the gold-standardtreatment for people suffering from Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB),such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Following diagnosis, patientstypically buy or rent a CPAP device together with a suitable patientinterface (such as a mask) that they must wear every night whilesleeping, in order to receive therapy.

Patient compliance with therapy is a significant issue, and it isbelieved that amongst a number of factors including patient comfort,patients are more likely to comply with therapy when the device is easyto use. Hence an improved user interface can lead to improved healthoutcomes for patients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved user interface in accordance with one aspect of the presenttechnology comprises a combination of physical hardware in the form ofswitches, display and lighting together with various electroniccomponents; the visual elements shown on the display and the process ofnavigating between, highlighting, selecting and adjusting relevantparameters of the device.

Another aspect of the present technology is that it is suitable for usewith medical devices providing treatment for sleep disordered breathing.

Another aspect of the present technology is that it is suitable forcontrolling a device for providing a supply of air at positive pressure,for example a flow generator. Another aspect of the present technologyis that it is suitable for controlling an optional humidifier. Anotheraspect of the present technology is that it is suitable for controllingan optional heated tube. Another aspect of the present technology isthat it is suitable for controlling a delay timer/ramp in delivery oftherapy, for example, a delay timer or ramp control of pressure.

Another aspect of the improved user interface of the present technologyis that it is suitable to be used in a low light or darkened room.Another aspect of the present technology is that it is suitable for useby a person with dark-adjusted eyes. Another aspect of the technology isthat it is suitable for people with reduced dexterity.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an improved user interfacefor a device, for example for a medical device such as a respiratorydevice for treatment of sleep disordered breathing, the device having auser-operable dial which controls selection of menu items from a displaymenu, wherein the device includes a menu control which determines a userpreference from the user's operation of the dial and applies thatpreference to subsequent operation of the device.

In one form, the control interface comprises a control for a device,adapted to:

-   -   cause entry to a display menu to occur at a known position in        the menu;    -   determine from operation of a control dial by the user in        navigation of the menu at least one user parameter; and    -   apply the determined user parameter to subsequent operation of        the control dial within that menu.

The user parameter may also be applied to subsequent operation of thecontrol dial by the user, for example within the same user session ofthe device.

In one form, the user parameter comprises a direction in which the userintuitively turns the dial to navigate the menu, for example thedirection that the user initially turns the dial to navigate up or downthe menu. This has been found by the applicant to vary from one personto another, with approximately an even split amongst a populationsample.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Further forms of the invention are also set out in the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further preferred embodiments of the invention will now be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows example components of an apparatus for respiratorytreatment of the upper airway of a patient;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a control relationship of componentsof the apparatus for respiratory treatment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a preferred layout of controls in accordance with thepresent technology.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the components relating to the start/stopbuttons.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the components relating to the LCD display.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the components relating to the push-buttondial.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic of the components relating to the menu keys.

FIG. 8 shows a list of symbols representing operation of controls for asample user interface further illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9 shows a sample user interface and controls for a device.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a sample menu structure for the device controlof FIG. 8, with the controls used to navigate the menu.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 1. Respiratory TreatmentDevice

The present invention will be described with respect to a flow generator(FG) for providing air or other breathable gas to a patient, for examplea servo controlled blower for CPAP treatment of sleep disorderedbreathing (SDB).

The flow generator may be part of a respiratory treatment device 102that may include some or all of the components illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2. For example, the respiratory treatment device will typicallyinclude a flow generator such as a servo-controlled blower 104. Theblower 104 will typically include an air inlet and impeller driven by amotor (not shown). Optionally, the air inlet may be coupled with a gassupply, such as for oxygen, to mix with or supplement the breathable gassupplied by the impeller to the airway of a user. Moreover, an airfilter 103 may be provided, such as a HEPA filter, to remove dust orother allergens from the air drawn into the air inlet. The blower mayoptionally be configured for generating varied flows or varied pressuresassociated with a patient respiratory cycle depending on the type oftreatment (e.g., continuous level, bi-level, varying level etc. such asa pressure in an example range of 4 to 15 cmH2O or 4 to 25 cmH2O) and itmay further be adjusted based on respiratory conditions (e.g., apnea,hypopnea, obstruction, etc.) detected by the apparatus (e.g., apnea,hypopnea, obstruction, etc.).

The respiratory treatment device 102 will also typically include apatient interface such as a flow delivery conduit 106 and nasal prongsor nasal cannula 108 to carry the flow of air or breathable gas to theupper airway of a user of the device or patient. The blower 104 can becoupled with the air delivery conduit 106 and the nasal cannula 108 soas to provide the breathable gas from the blower 104. Optionally, thepatient interface may include a mask (not shown) coupled with thedelivery conduit.

Operation of the respiratory treatment delivery apparatus may becontrolled by one or more controller or processors 120, which may be forexample a digital microprocessor.

The controller 120 receives signals supplied from various sensors, suchas those described in more detail below, and applies a control logic tocontrol the functions of the device, for example to control theoperation of the blower 104 and of the humidifier heater 111.

The controller or processor 120 is typically configured and adapted toimplement particular control. Thus, the controller may includeintegrated chips, a memory and/or processor control instructions or datain an information storage medium. For example, programmed instructionsencompassing such a control methodology may be coded on integrated chipsin the circuits or memory of the device or such instructions may beloaded as software or firmware using an appropriate medium.

The sensors may include one or more pressure sensors 114, 131 such as apressure transducer. The pressure sensor 114 can be configured tomeasure the pressure generated by the blower 104 and/or supplied at thenasal cannula or patient airway. In the illustrated embodiment, thepressure sensor 114 is proximate to the blower 104. An additional oralternative pressure sensor 131 may be located downstream of the blowersuch as in the patient interface. The pressure sensor generates apressure signal p(t) indicative of the measurements of pressure at itsparticular location.

In some embodiments, the respiratory treatment delivery device mayoptionally include one or more flow sensors 116. For example, flowthrough the nasal cannula 112 may be measured using a pneumotachographand differential pressure transducer or similar device such as oneemploying a bundle of tubes or ducts to derive a flow signal F(t).Although the flow sensor is illustrated in FIG. 1 in a locationproximate to the blower, the flow sensor may optionally be locatedcloser to the patient, such as in the patient interface or nasal cannula108.

Optionally, the patient interface and/or blower may also includeaccessory devices for patient comfort such as a humidifier 112 andhumidifier heater 111. The humidifier device may be configured orcontrolled to heat and/or humidify the breathable gas to a desiredtemperature and/or humidity. For example, the device may include areservoir or fluid circuit for passing the breathable gas through orproximate with a fluid or vapour of the reservoir or fluid circuit. Theheater 111 may include one or more heating elements and/or heatingplates to heat the fluid to create the vapour

Additional accessory devices may also be implemented with therespiratory treatment device. For example, a heater or heatingelement(s) such as a delivery tube heater 135 may optionally be providedin or on the delivery tube of the patient interface to assist inmaintaining the temperature of the breathable gas after it passes fromthe humidifier or flow generator.

For purposes of regulating the temperature and/or humidity of thebreathable gas with the heating elements, the apparatus may also includeone or more humidity sensors 117, 121, 136 and/or one or moretemperature sensors 115, 118, 119, 132. The sensors generate temperatureor humidity signals (illustrated as T(t) and H(t) in FIG. 1) forcontrolling or setting temperature and/or humidity of the comfortdevices. Optionally, some of the sensors may be located for measuringambient conditions. Thus, these sensors would be located away from theheaters and humidifier chamber so as to provide a more accurate readingof ambient conditions.

The controller or processor 120 also communicates with a user interfaceof the device which includes control inputs such as buttons, dials foruser control of the device, and a display such as a screen and/orindicator lights for indicating the device status and displaying controlmenus and the like to help the user select and control operations of thedevice. In some embodiments, some or all of the functions of the displayand the user controls may be combined, for example by incorporating atouch screen display.

2. Modes of Operation

The embodiments of the invention will be further described withreference to preferred modes of operation as defined below:

Standby mode: When the FG is not delivering pressure.

Mask Fitting mode: When the FG provides a set pressure that allows theuser to check for leaks between the mask & face, and to adjust the fitof the mask to minimise them.

Run mode: Then FG is delivering pressure for the purpose of therapy(includes pressure ramping).

Error mode: When the FG has detected an error and is currently notdelivering therapy.

3. User Interface States of Operation

The following user interface (UI) states of operation are referred to:

No Power state: When the system has no mains power connected—either nopower cord, a power cord with wall socket switched off, or a loss ofmains power.

Power Save state: When the Start/Stop key has been pushed and held forover 3 seconds, and the UI has been switched off except for the dimgreen LED backlight of the Start/Stop Button.

Setup state: When a user is interacting with the UI controls and the FGis in Standby Mode. Note: This is always the first state that the UIcomes to when the Power is connected.

Adjust state: When a user is interacting with the UI controls and the FGis in Run Mode

Warming Up state: When a user has activated the Warm Up function topre-heat the humidifier (and heated tube) to the set value. The WarmingUp state shall preferably be able to be stopped by selecting the WarmingUp bar with the push button dial and pressing the dial to stop theWarming Up.

The Warming Up Function shall preferably only be available when theHumidifier or Climate Control setting is greater than zero, however thewarming up state will warm up both the humidifier and the heated tube totheir set levels.

Warming Ready state: When the humidifier and heated tube have reachedtheir settings and the system is ready for use. The system stays in thisstate until a 30 minute time out is reached (taken from the start ofWarming Up). The Warming Ready state shall be able to be stopped byselecting the Warming Ready bar with the push button dial and pressingthe dial to stop the Warming Ready state.

Cool Down state: When the humidifier and heated tube have been in useduring the Warming Up state, Warming Ready state, or Run mode, and themode is changed to Standby Mode (eg pushing the Start/Stop button duringRun mode, or stopping the Warm Up function). This state is maintainedfor a duration that allows the Humidifier to cool down. The purpose ofthis state is to minimise condensation build up in the system.

Idle state: When the user has not touched the controls for 2 minutesduring Standby mode, the UI shall “rest” with only the Start/Stop buttonilluminated and the LCD backlight faded to dim so that it is stillreadable.

Preferably this does not apply to the Warming Ready or Cool Down states.

Sleep state: When the user has not touched the controls for 2 minutesduring Run mode, the UI shall go to “sleep” with only the Start/Stopbutton illuminated.

Preferably this does not apply to the Mask Fit or Error states.

Mask Fit Standby state: Used when Mask Fit mode is activated from theStandby mode by pushing and holding the dial. If the user does not pushanything, this state will time out after 3 minutes and willautomatically bring the device to the Run Mode in the Adjust State.

Mask Fit Run state: Used when Mask Fit mode is activated from the Runmode by pushing and holding the dial. This is predominantly forpatients, who wish to perform a Mask Fit, but have inadvertentlyactivated Run mode via SmartStart when putting on their mask.

If the user does not push anything, this state will time out after 3minutes and will automatically bring the device back to Run Mode in theAdjust State.

Alert state: Therapy continues and the UI displays an alert message overthe Menu Page on the LCD and flashes a bright blue LED to indicate thealert state. Note: If the user alert has been disabled, the message willstill appear but the LED will not flash. The alert message and LED canbe cleared by fixing the issue that caused the alert or they can betemporarily cleared when any key is pressed and normal navigation isresumed. If the issue that caused the alert is not fixed then the alertmessage will re-appear after a time out period.

Two further states are specified—a patient menu state and a clinicalmenu state. In the clinical menu state, additional parameters aredisplayed and controllable when compared to the patient menu state. Inaddition, the parameters that are displayed and controllable in thepatient menu are determined from the Clinical menu. For example, aclinician may decide that certain menus are available to one patient,and a different set of menus should be available for a differentpatient. In addition, the clinician can decide what information shall bedisplayed for the patient during or after treatment. For example, theclinician may decide whether to display such information as a “SleepQuality Indicator” to the patient, and whether to display an ApneaHypopnea Index (AHI).

While various preferred time intervals are specified, in other forms,other time intervals may be used.

4. User Interface Hardware

In one embodiment a user interface according the present technology,comprises:

-   -   a start/stop button    -   a display (preferably a colour display)    -   two menu keys (preferably an information key and a setup key); &    -   a push-button dial.

An example of a user interface 300 is shown in FIG. 3, which includes adisplay 302, such as an LCD window or other suitable display for displayof text and/or graphical information to the user, a start/stop (oron/off) button 304 at one side of the display for press control by theuser, and a push-button dial 306 which incorporates both rotary dial andpush button controls. In addition, there are push button controls 308,310 at the side edge of the display, for example an information (or“info”) key 308 denoted by the standard “i” symbol and a setup key 310denoted by two tick symbols.

The illustrated display includes at its top a menu title 312, below thathas a menu page 314 for displaying menu information to the user, and hasa series of menu tabs 316 along one side of the menu page for tabbingthrough different menu pages.

In one form, the user interface further comprises a humidifier indicatorlight.

Schematic diagrams of electrical circuits suitable for implementingembodiments of the present technology are shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7:

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the components relating to the start/stopbuttons.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic of the components relating to the LCD display.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the components relating to the push-buttondial.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic of the components relating to the menu keys.

5. Navigation

In one embodiment, a control scheme for the present device comprisesthree main screens:

-   -   A home screen;    -   An information screen; &    -   A setup screen.

Each main screen displays at least one parameter. Where there is morethan one parameter, turning the dial leads to each included parameterbeing highlighted in turn. Whilst a parameter is highlighted, it may beselected by pressing the dial. Parameter adjustments may be made byrotating the dial. Parameter adjustments may be confirmed by pressingthe dial.

Preferably the home screen is the default screen that is displayed whenthe device is in standby mode or run mode. Pressing the start/stopbutton 306 will adjust the device between the standby mode and the runmode.

Pressing once on the first push button control 308 results in theinformation screen being displayed. Pressing a second time on the firstpush button control 308 results in a return to the home screen.

Pressing once on the second push button control 310 results in the setupscreen being displayed. Pressing a second time on the second push buttoncontrol 310 results in a return to the home screen.

In one form, the home screen displays information about a currentpatient treatment session when the device is in run mode.

From the home screen, selecting the information menu key 308 onceresults in display of parameters defining the current treatment session,for example, the CPAP pressure. Selecting the information key onceagain, results in a return to the home screen.

From the home screen, selecting the settings menu key 310 once resultsin display of parameters that may be adjustable, for example the masksetting. Selecting the settings key 310 once again results in a returnto the home screen.

The control scheme of the present device facilitates rapid navigationand display of patient treatment information, as well as facilitatingadjustment of parameters where appropriate.

Preferably the display is 220 pixels×176 pixels, or larger. Preferablythe display can show colours.

When starting Run Mode in the Patient Menu—the display will change fromthe current display to a default screen. If the Humidifier is connected,or Climate Control is enabled, then the screen will default to theHumidifier or Climate Control setting so that if the patient needs toadjust the humidification during the night, they do not have to navigateanywhere, and they can simply reach over, turn the dial (which hashighly tactile indents) and easily adjust their humidification levelwithout looking.

6. Backlighting

In a preferred form the start/stop button 306, the display 302 and thehumidifier indicator include backlighting. In a preferred form, certaincolours are used: Green, Blue and Orange are used. However other coloursmay be used. When a light changes state, the transition may be gradual,for example, over 3seconds. In other forms, the transition may be morerapid, or slower, or instantaneous.

6.1 Start/Stop Button Backlighting:

In one embodiment, operation of the backlighting of the start/stopbutton 306 is used to provide the user with information on the devicestatus, as described below.

Preferably when the device enters Power Save State the Start/Stopbacklight fades over 3 seconds to DIM GREEN.

Preferably when the device is “Ready for use”, ie when it enters theSetup State, the Start/Stop backlight fades over 3 seconds to BRIGHTGREEN.

Preferably when in the Standby Mode, and the UI is left for the Idleperiod, the Start/Stop backlight remains BRIGHT GREEN.

Preferably when the device enters Warming Up, or Warming Ready States,the Start/Stop backlight remains BRIGHT GREEN.

Preferably when the device enters the Cool Down State, from run mode theStart/Stop backlight fades over 3 seconds to BRIGHT GREEN.

Preferably when going to Run Mode and delivering therapy, or enteringthe Mask Fit Run State, the Start/Stop backlight becomes DIM BLUE within0.5 seconds of entering this mode. The BLUE LED remains DIM whilst inuse unless there is an error, and then it shall be BRIGHT BLUE FLASHING.

By providing the DIM BLUE light for run mode, and turning BRIGHT BLUEFLASHING only in event of error, the comfort of the patient and any bedpartner is enhanced by not having a bright LED in the bedroom whentrying to sleep. The time periods and transitions described above are byway of example, and may be varied.

6.2 Display Backlighting:

Preferably when the device enters Power Save State the LCD backlightingfades over 3 seconds from ON to OFF.

Preferably when the device enters the Setup State, Adjust State, MaskFitting State, or it is awakened from the Idle or Sleep states bypressing any keys or pressing/turning the Push Button Dial, the LCDbacklighting fades over 3 seconds from OFF to ON.

Preferably when the device enters the Warming Up, Warming Ready or ErrorState, the LCD backlight becomes ON within 0.5 seconds of entering theseStates.

Preferably when the device enters the Cool Down State, from run mode theLCD backlight fades over 3 seconds to ON.

Preferably when in Standby mode and the UI is not interacted with forthe Idle period, the LCD backlight fades over 3 seconds to DIM.

Preferably when in Run mode and the UI is not interacted with for theSleep period, the LCD backlight fades over 3 seconds to OFF.

Fading of the device between the ON, DIM or OFF positions allows thepatient's eyes to adjust to the change in brightness in the middle ofthe night when the device state is changed, for example if the patientwakes up the device or stops it to go to the toilet. Fading to DIMduring Standby mode will help save power, yet still provide somebacklight for the patient to read the LCD display. Fading to OFF in theRun mode both saves power and minimises brightness in the bedroom, asduring the Run mode the patient will have no need to read the LCDdisplay.

6.3 Humidifier Backlight:

Preferably when the device enters the Power Save State the HumidifierIndicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to OFF.

Preferably when the device enters the Setup State the HumidifierIndicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to BRIGHT BLUE.

Preferably when the device enters the Mask Fit Standby State, theHumidifier Indicator backlight remains the same as the state from whichMask Fit was activated from, and returns back to that state when MaskFit is complete.

Preferably the Humidifier Indicator backlight becomes BRIGHT BLUE within0.5 seconds of entering the Error State with the Humidifier set to zero.

Preferably the Humidifier Indicator backlight becomes BRIGHT ORANGEwithin 0.5 seconds of entering the Warming Ready, Cool Down or ErrorState with the Humidifier set between 0.5 and 6.

Preferably when the device enters the Warming Up State, the HumidifierIndicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to DIM ORANGE.

Preferably when in the Standby or Run Mode, and the UI is left for theIdle or Sleep period, the Humidifier Indicator backlight is turned OFF.

Preferably when entering the Adjust State or Mask Fit Run State, theHumidifier Indicator backlight fades over 3 seconds to either: a DIMORANGE if either the Humidifier or Heated Tube are set between 0.5 and6; or a DIM BLUE if both the Humidifier and Heated Tube are set to zero.

The above-described display and BRIGHT, DIM and OFF backlighting states,and the fading between them, are used for similar reasoning as describedpreviously in relation to the Start/Stop button and Displaybacklighting.

7. Intuitive Control Dial Arrangement

FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a control dial and user interface arrangementaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a table of symbols which are used in discussion of theoperation of the control interface further exemplified in FIGS. 9 and10. The symbols identify the action required to perform a functionwithin the user interface. Symbol 806 refers to the action of pushingthe start/stop button 306. Symbols 810 and 808 refer to pushing thesetup menu key 310 and info menu key 308 respectively. Symbol 802indicates a waiting time for an action to be processed. Symbols 804, 814and 824 relate to actions performed using the rotary dial 304. Theactions performed are pushing the dial 804, turning or rotating the dial814 and pushing and holding the dial pressed for a period of time, suchas 3 seconds 824.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sample user interface for a medical device, such asa CPAP respiratory apparatus or a humidifier therefor, along with theuser functions associated with each. The interface includes a graphicalinterface such an LCD or other suitable screen for displaying a controlmenu, with controls nearby on the device for the user to controloperation of the device by selection of menu items.

In the example of FIG. 9, the controls include a start/stop button 304,an information (“info”) button 308 and setup button 310 adjacent thescreen 302, and a rotary control dial 306. In the illustrated userinterface arrangement, the start/stop, information and setup buttons maybe simply push buttons, optionally backlit to aid user operation in thedark. The dial may be of the type adapted for continuous rotation, orfor shuttling left or right of a central position within a limited rangeof rotation, and is also adapted to operate as a push button to allowadditional user input in that manner.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8 to 10, there are three different operations ofthe rotary dial 306 by which the user may input information: by (1)pushing the dial; (2) turning the dial; and (3) pushing and turning thedial for a set period, for example for 3 seconds.

As described later with reference to FIG. 10, combinations of controlsmay also be used.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sample of a control menu structure and thecontrol operations used to navigate within and between the menus and toselect items.

As shown in FIG. 10, a top level menu is shown as shown at the left sideof FIG. 8, with menu items SETTINGS, OPTIONS, REMINDERS andCONFIGURATION. These menu items are represented graphically along theleft hand side of the screen display, with the currently selected menuitem highlighted as denoted by the lighter square along the left side ofeach screen display in FIG. 10, and the corresponding text shown at thetop of the screen display.

By way of example, FIG. 10 further shows expansion of the OPTIONS andDATE menu items.

To navigate up or down within a menu, the user turns the rotary controldial left or right, and to access or select the highlighted menu itemthe user presses the control dial. Navigation back up one menu level maybe for example by pressing the setup button 306, or by pressing both thecontrol dial 306 and the setup button 310, as shown in FIG. 10.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the user controlsincorporate an intuitive control which compensates for user preferencesin the direction in which that user rotates the control dial to navigatethe menu. In particular, the menu format is arranged so that entry intoa menu level is at a known position in the menu list, preferably at oneend of the menu—for example at the top menu item SETTINGS in the toplevel menu shown in FIG. 10, or at the item Climate Cntrl within theOPTIONS menu—while the EXIT from that menu level is at the opposite endof that menu list.

The direction that the user initially rotates the control dial 306 tonavigate away from that first menu item is detected and that rotarydirection is assigned to be the down direction within the menu, so thatfurther rotation of the dial in that direction continues downwardnavigation within the menu, while rotation in the opposite directioncauses upwards navigation through the menu. Therefore, in the example ofFIG. 10, if the user initially turns the dial anticlockwise to navigateaway from the SETTINGS menu item in the top menu level to the SLEEPQUALITY menu item, then turning the dial anticlockwise is assigned to bethe down direction to navigate down the menu items list and turningclockwise to be the up direction to navigate back up the menu itemslist.

In this way, the device controls will adjust automatically to the userpreference on the dial operation.

The assignment of the up and down directions may be re-assigned eachtime a new menu level is entered, or may be retained for a longerduration, for example for the duration of the user session.

The intuitive dial control may be incorporated by any suitable means,for example within the computer control software of the device.

It will be appreciated also that the intuitive dial control inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment may have application beyond themedical respiratory devices to which the invention relates primarily, toother devices which employ a rotary control dial.

7. Other Features

The flow generator preferably incorporates automatic switching betweenmodes of the device, as described below:

Preferably in Patient Run Mode—When there is no interaction with the UIfor a waiting period of 30 seconds, the UI will automatically return toeither, the Patient Climate Control, Humidifier Level, Heated Tube Levelor Home Screen depending what is attached. This allows the patient toadjust their humidity or heated tube setting during the night withoutlooking at the display.

In one form “no interaction” can include minor interaction. For example,the user interface may return to a Patient Climate Control mode in spiteof a short period of interaction that may result from bumping ortouching the user interface.

Whilst a period of 30 seconds is preferred for the required period, inother forms, other waiting periods may be used, such as about 5 seconds,or several minutes.

Preferably in Standby Mode—When there is no interaction with the UI forthe Idle timeout duration, the UI will automatically exit the PatientSetup Menu and go to the Patient Home Screen in the Idle state.

Preferably during Run Mode in the Patient Menu, the UI will not allowthe user to enter the Patient Info Menu.

In one form, when adjusting a numeric parameter, when the dial is turnedslowly, it will adjust a parameter in minimal increments, eg 0.2 cmH2Oper encoder increment, but when the dial is turned quickly, it willadjust the parameter in whole number increments, eg 1.0 cm H2O perencoder increment.

In a preferred form, the controls of the user interface are located onthe flow generator. Hence some controls perform dual function of beingable to control the humidifier as well as aspects of the flow generator.For example the dial may be able to control ramp time, pressure andhumidification (including climate control level, heated tube temperatureand humidity).

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its“open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limitedto its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. Acorresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words“comprise, comprised and comprises where they appear.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, itwill be evident to those skilled in the art that the present inventionmay be embodied in other specific forms without departing from theessential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examplesare therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes which comewithin the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are thereforeintended to be embraced therein. It will further be understood that anyreference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contraryindication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art iscommonly known by those skilled in the art to which the inventionrelates.

1. A control interface for a device which includes a rotary controldial, including: a display for displaying a device control menu; arotary control dial for operation by a user to navigate within the menu;a menu control which causes entry to the control menu to occur at aknown position in the menu, which determines from operation of thecontrol dial by the user in navigation of the menu at least one userparameter, and applies the determined user parameter to subsequentoperation of the control dial within that menu.
 2. The control interfaceof claim 1 wherein the menu control applies the determined userparameter also to subsequent operation of the control dial by the userin other menus.
 3. The control interface of claim 2 wherein the menucontrol applies the determined user parameter to subsequent operation ofthe control dial by the user within the same user session of the device.4. The control interface of claim 1 wherein the user parameter comprisesa direction in which the user turns the dial to navigate a direction inthe menu.
 5. The control interface of claim 4 wherein the menu controldetermines a rotary direction that the user initially turns the dial toa linear direction within the menu, and assigns that rotary direction tothat linear direction.
 6. The control interface of claim 1 wherein thedevice is a respiratory device.
 7. The control interface of claim 6wherein the respiratory device is a flow generator for treating sleepdisordered breathing.
 8. Apparatus for treating sleep disorderedbreathing comprising a flow generator for delivering a supply ofbreathable gas at positive pressure to a patient; and a controlinterface comprising: a display for displaying a device control menu forthe flow generator; a rotary control dial for operation by a user tonavigate within the menu; a menu control which causes entry to thecontrol menu to occur at a known position in the menu, which determinesfrom operation of the control dial by the user in navigation of the menuat least one user parameter, and applies the determined user parameterto subsequent operation of the control dial within that menu.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 8 wherein the menu control applies the determineduser parameter also to subsequent operation of the control dial by theuser in other menus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the menucontrol applies the determined user parameter to subsequent operation ofthe control dial by the user within the same user session of the device.11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the user parameter comprises adirection in which the user turns the dial to navigate a direction inthe menu.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the menu controldetermines a rotary direction that the user initially turns the dial toa linear direction within the menu, and assigns that rotary direction tothat linear direction.
 13. A set of controls for a CPAP devicecomprising: a start/stop button; a display; two menu keys; & and apush-button dial.
 14. The set of controls of claim 1 wherein the displayis a colour display.
 15. A user interface for a respiratory device forthe treatment of sleep disordered breathing comprising: a set ofcontrols as claimed in claim 13; wherein at least one menu key isconstructed and arranged so that during delivery of respiratory therapyactivating said at least one key once causes the display of analternative menu display and activating it a second time returns thedisplay to its prior state.
 16. Apparatus for treating sleep disorderedbreathing comprising a flow generator for delivering a supply of air atpositive pressure; a humidifier; a set of controls including apush-button dial whereby the push-button dial is programmed toalternatively adjust at least two parameters chosen from the set of: alevel of humidification, a treatment pressure, a ramp time, and a heatedtube temperature.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the set ofcontrols are located on the flow generator.
 18. Apparatus for treatingsleep disordered breathing comprising: a device for delivering a supplyof air at positive pressure; a humidifier; a set of controls including adial, the dial being settable between at least two states, whereinduring a first state, rotation of the dial adjusts the level ofhumidification wherein during a run mode of the apparatus, the dialautomatically reverts to the first state following a period where thereis no interaction with the set of controls.